Use This 3-Part Motion to Master Overhead Smashes in Pickleball

Separate your elbow and load up on your shoulder; reach toward the ball; follow through all the way toward the ground. But before all that: footwork.

If you've been struggling with consistency on your overheads, you're not alone.

Many players pick up pickleball without a racket sports background, which means the overhead motion doesn't come naturally. But there's good news: former D1 tennis player and current PPA pro Michael Loyd has broken down exactly what it takes to dominate this crucial shot.

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Think of It Like Throwing, Not Hitting

The biggest mental shift you need to make is this: stop thinking about the overhead as a hitting motion. Instead, picture yourself throwing a ball downward.

This comparison works because the footwork and body mechanics are nearly identical to a football quarterback's throw. When you tell someone to throw a ball, they naturally load up with their legs first, take a step, and then extend. That's exactly what should happen on your overhead.

The key difference in pickleball is the direction. Instead of throwing forward, you're throwing down. Even if the ball doesn't go straight down, your paddle path should be focused on getting it down as much as possible.

Here's where most players go wrong: they focus so hard on the stroke itself that they neglect the footwork. But footwork might be the most important element of a successful overhead, especially if you're new to racket sports.

The footwork sequence matters more than you'd think. If you're not in the right spot, no amount of perfect technique will save you. Take as many steps as you need to get underneath the ball, but no more than that.

• If the ball is right in front of you, you might only need one step
• If it's further back, take the extra steps to position yourself properly
• The goal is to be set and ready before you even think about your swing

The Three-Part Motion: Separate, Reach, Throw

Once your footwork is solid, the stroke itself breaks down into three connected movements.

Think of these as one fluid motion, not three separate actions.

1. Separate: Start by separating your elbow and loading up your shoulder. This is less about football mechanics and more about creating the coil you need for power. Your shoulder should rotate back while your legs are already engaged.
2. Reach: As you begin your motion, reach up toward the ball. This isn't a pure sling or a quick flick. You're extending your arm and creating length in your stroke, similar to how a quarterback extends before releasing.
3. Throw: Finally, throw down. Your release point matters just as much as your contact point. If you release too early, the ball goes up. If you wait too long, you lose control. The sweet spot is releasing when your arm is in a position that naturally sends the ball downward.

Timing and Cadence Are Everything

One common mistake is speeding up your motion when you feel rushed – that's actually a symptom of poor footwork, not a lack of power.

If you didn't separate early enough, you'll feel like you don't have time to complete the motion. So you rush. The fix isn't to swing harder; it's to get your footwork and separation done earlier so you have time to execute smoothly.

Think of it this way: slow and smooth, then go. Your legs create the momentum, and good timing does the rest. You don't need a super fast swing to hit a winner.

Practice the Throw Without the Paddle

Before you even pick up your paddle, grab some balls and practice the throwing motion.

This drill sounds silly at first, but it's incredibly effective.

• Stand at the baseline and practice the footwork and throwing motion without a paddle in your hand
• Focus on the separation, the reach, and throwing down
• Once you feel comfortable with the motion, add the paddle and let the stroke follow naturally

This removes the mental clutter of "how do I hit this" and lets you focus on the fundamental movement pattern. It's the same motion every time, whether you're throwing or hitting.

The Release Point Is Your Secret Weapon

Just like your contact point determines where the ball goes on a regular shot, your release point on the throw determines the trajectory of your overhead.

This is why patience matters. Don't rush the release. Wait for the right moment, and the ball will go where you want it.

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Put It All Together

The overhead isn't as complicated as it feels. It's just throwing a ball with a paddle in your hand. Master the footwork, nail the three-part motion, and trust your timing.

Once you get this down, your partners won't hate you anymore. You'll be the overhead king on the court.